Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Restaurant reviewers' visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bargain: a meal (without beverage or dessert) typically less than $12. Moderate: $12-$25. Expensive: $25 and up.
Japanese
HANAROO SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE RESTAURANT
205 W. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, (501) 301-7900
The sushi rolls and nigiri are excellent, and seafood entrees are among the best catches on the lengthy menu.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, dinner Sat. Beer, wine. Moderate.
IGIBON JAPANESE FOOD HOUSE
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock,
(501) 217-8888
This longtime favorite got a recent extension on its lease, continuing to operate with a friendly staff and a user-friendly menu that's welcoming to Japanese food beginners as well as experts. Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
KANPAI JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI
4120 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-9494
This restaurant near McCain Mall offers sushi, traditional dinners and pleasing, if predictable, hibachi suppers and shows.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
11401 Financial Centre Parkway, Little Rock,
(501) 225-5999
The excellent expanded sushi bar no longer takes second place to the teppanyaki grills, where the Feast (featuring filet mignon, shrimp, scallops and chicken) is the priciest extravaganza.
Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
MT. FUJI
10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-6498
After more than a quarter century and the arrival of newer, bigger, flashier Japanese competitors, this restaurant, like the volcano it's named for, continues to stand tall, with an excellent and varied Japanese menu and first-rate sushi.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations (five or more people). Moderate.
OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
5501 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, (501) 868-3688
In addition to a good variety of traditional tempura and teriyaki dishes, this subdued, pleasant restaurant anchors a tucked-in (meaning it's hard to see from the main street, Cantrell Road) shopping center, with a "wizard" behind the sushi bar.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine, cocktails. Reservations. Moderate.
UPDATE! SAKURA
4011 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, (501) 834-3546; 7307 Alcoa Road, Bryant, (501) 778-9585
An upscale dining experience is available at the original -- where the service is friendly and everything from the appetizers and hibachi entrees to the sushi are top-notch -- and Bryant locations of this multitasking Japanese restaurant, offering sushi and hibachi specialties.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar at Sherwood location. Moderate.
SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
2815 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 666-7070
Evidence that Shogun has been around a long time: its consistent sushi and hibachi dinners and its cozy-to-cavelike atmosphere.
Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
SUSHI CAFE
5823 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 663-9888
SUSHI CAFE WEST
11211 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 954-7866
The new west Little Rock outlet of the popular cafe features an equally excellent eclectic Asian-fusion menu, including pad thai, miso sea bass and even a Kobe beef hot dog, plus a full range of sushi and, new for west Little Rock, a hibachi grill.
Heights: Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations (large parties). West Little Rock: Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
Weekend on 11/12/2015